Arran The Bothy
Sugar Loaf
1 285
Review by @markjedi1
- Nose~
- Taste~
- Finish~
- Balance~
- Overall85
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In September 2015 Arran launched The Bothy, matured on quarter casks, which we know primarily from Laphroaig. A quarter cask is some 125 liters and was used originally to transport on horseback. This Arran was first matured on regular bourbon casks and then finished for 18 months on these smaller casks. Did you know that the word ‘bothy’ actually means ‘not closed hideout in the mountains’? Maybe something for your next whisky quiz?
The nose is fresh and round, honey-sweet on vanilla and banana. Then I also discover some pineapple and apple juice with white sugar loaf bread. Mildly floral and very lightly seasoned. Think cinnamon and a pinch of saffron. Evolves towards Fanta Orange. Lovely.
Good body and even better strength, giving it quite the punch. Somewhat waxy and again very fruity. The pineapple and apples return, but are easily overcome by all kinds of citrus. Lemon, lime and pink grapefruit. A party of agrums. The spiciness is somewhat more outspoken. There is a bit of oak, offering balance instead of bitterness. Fine!
On the finish, which I find to be somewhat short, it is all about grapefruit and sweet malt.
Who said NAS is not worth your time… It was not me! This is good stuff and a nice addition to the Arran core range.
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I appreciate the PUN in "NAS is not worth your time" since (unstated) time is of the essence with these whiskies.
I don't think the issue some people have with NAS is the contents of the bottle. I think they would say to go ahead and put the same whisky in the bottle, but tell us how young it is...